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Man takes his own life after his 18-month-old son dies in hot car

WARNING - DISTRESSING CONTENT: A man took his own life after his 18-month-old son died after being left in a hot car, with police saying the ordeal is a "horrible tragedy".

On Tuesday afternoon, police received a call reporting that a child had been left in a car for several hours and the father was making suicidal statements.

When police arrived at the scene, a car was found in the driveway and the 18-month-old child was found inside the Chesterfield home, in Virginia, US.

The father was found dead in the woods behind his home after police received a tip indicating concern surrounding his behaviour.

It is believed the child died after being left in a vehicle for a few hours. Source:  WRIC/Getty Images/ file
It is believed the child died after being left in a vehicle for a few hours. Source: WRIC/Getty Images/ file

Family members had called the Chesterfield Police Department after speaking with the father, NBC12 reported.

The child was not at daycare, which tipped family members off to something being wrong and they believe the child was in the car for about three hours.

Lt. Col. Christopher Hensley said the investigation indicates the father had left the child in the car for some period of time, where the child died and then made the discovery of the child.

He said it appeared the father forgot the child was in the car.

"This is a horrible tragedy on so many levels," Lt Col. Hensley said according to NBC12.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends that are going to deal with this, but we would be remised in not taking the opportunity for people to take this moment and realise how important it is to check your vehicles.”

Lt. Col. Christopher Hensley from the Chesterfield Police said it was a tragedy. Source: NBC12
Lt. Col. Christopher Hensley from the Chesterfield Police said it was a tragedy. Source: NBC12

Police have not said how the child died, however, NBC's Today reported that the temperature was in the mid-20s on Tuesday.

Last week in Canada, a 23-month-old child died after his mother forgot to drop him off at daycare and accidentally left him in the car.

The child was found unresponsive in the vehicle last Thursday.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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